Friluftsliv: Free Air What? Life

Freedom to Roam

There are any number of life philosophies you could follow at any given time. Just browse Google enough and you will find a philosophy a day. Perhaps. There’s even a “Fuck it Bucket” philosophy. Read it here.

But something got me hooked on friluftsliv.

It’s Norwegian, roughly translated into “free air life” and pronounced free-loofts-liv. Every Norwegian may interpret this philosophy differently, but collectively and culturally, it defines their way of life.

Originally introduced into the lexicon by playwright Henrik Ibsen, friluftsliv imparts a deep connection with the land for those who follow its principles. For a Norwegian, the great outdoors offers much more than watching cable TV. It’s something to be proud of; it’s part of their cultural heritage; and it is simply everyday living. For an American, phrases like #optoutside is a trendsetter, urging us to invest our time in our national parks and opt outside.

I recall in my childhood various camping trips and outdoor adventures we took in the Appalachian Mountains. We even visited Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. Albeit, investing only a few hours in many of them. But many of my fondest memories growing up were outside and looking up. So, it always will draw me back home, wherever that may be.

I am apt to believe it would be a challenge to adopt the simple principles this philosophy, this way of life.